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Forty-Two States Add Construction Jobs Between May 2016 & 2017 But 25 States and D.C. Lose Jobs from April to May as Firms Struggle to Find Workers

Forty-two states added construction jobs between May 2016 and May 2017 amid growing demand for construction services, while 25 states and the District of Columbia lost construction jobs between April and May as firms struggle to find enough workers, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data released today. Association officials said workforce shortages appear to be impacting construction employment in parts of the country.

“There is still plenty of private-sector demand for construction projects, so it is likely that some states with monthly employment declines have a shortage of workers rather than a slowdown in work,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist for the association.  “Given the low unemployment rate in most states, it is hard for contractors to find new construction workers, let alone experienced ones.”

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